I was completely astounded at the letter that Alun Davies, the Assembly Member for Blaenau Gwent, has allegedly sent to the minister saying that: “Opening a rail link from Ebbw Vale to Newport is not in the best interests of the Valleys”.

How on earth can a member who is supposed to represent the people of an area make such a wide-of-the-mark statement? The rail link from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff was a major success, I was with the last minister on the train that saw the millionth passenger on the line after only two years, two years ahead of the four years projections of the Assembly, It is supported by everyone. I cannot believe this AM’s total disregard for the views and wishes of his constituents. Does he know best? Does he not think that it is up to the people to make their own choices which city they wish to go to work or shop in or spend their leisure time? Even the local Labour party leadership is distancing themselves from him over this faux-pas.

He should stick to helping people with their choices like he does with the farmers of Mid Wales, otherwise he could be on the last milk train out of Blaenau Gwent.

Des Hillman, Waun Marsley House, Nantyglo